The Sister City Concept: In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the people-to-people concept that led to the development of Sister Cities International. It was President Eisenhower’s belief that strong relationships established between cities in the United States and cities of the world would lessen the potential for world conflicts. Based on this concept, in 1991 local Longmont businesses and city government joined together to establish Longmont’s first sister city relationship with Chino, Japan. Longmont’s second sister city relationship with Ciudad Guzman, Mexico was formed in 1998. In 2019, Longmont began a program with the Northern Arapaho Nation, based in Wind River, Wyoming.
Student Exchange Program: The purpose of the Longmont Sister Cities Association’s Student Exchange Program is to provide an opportunity for Longmont students and families to develop cultural understanding with the people of Chino, Japan and Ciudad Guzman, Mexico through family living experiences. Unfortunately due to COVID we will not have an exchange with Chino, Japan or Ciudad Guzman this year but will again in 2021. However, the new Arapahoe exchange offers an opportunity to learn about the former residents of the front range.
Who is eligible to apply? Student applicants must reside in the St. Vrain Valley School District attendance area or attend school within the boundaries of the school district and must be currently enrolled in 8th – 11th grades. Students may attend public, private or charter schools or be home schooled. Students must also expect to live in the St. Vrain Valley School District area following their summer travel.
Student’s Time and Commitment: A good deal of time is required. The Arapaho exchange will include a visit to Wyoming and a short exchange in Longmont.
Once selected, all Student Ambassadors are required to attend orientation sessions and fundraisers prior to departure; participate and play an active role in the Longmont Sister Cities Association and its activities; work at organization fundraisers; and in general promote the program. Attendance at orientation sessions and other informational meetings is critical. Missing more than 20% of training sessions will be grounds for dismissal from the program. Upon return, the Ambassadors are required to participate in the activities scheduled for the Arapaho and Mexican students visiting Longmont; assist in preparation of a presentation to share with the community; give a minimum of three talks about the exchange experience in schools and the community; and stay active in the Longmont Sister Cities Association for at least one year. An estimated 2 hours twice a month commitment is expected.
Student Responsibilities: Students selected to participate in the Longmont Sister City exchange program serve as ambassadors and representatives of Longmont, Colorado and the United States. While participating in the exchange, students must be respectful of their host families and must be willing to be helpful with the household and family duties and to assume the same responsibility as other members of the family. Students are expected to participate in all scheduled activities in their sister city. As an ambassador, students are expected to follow a dress code and violations of this are grounds to be sent home at the student's family expense. Travel dates for Wyoming and the local exchange are TBD.
Cost: The city of Longmont is paying for the 2022 exchange.
Responsibility of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of Exchange Students: The Longmont Sister Cities Association expects the support of parents and guardians including participation in the organization’s activities. Many activities are planned for the students during their stay in Longmont. It is expected that most of our home hosts will be the families of our ambassadors; however, if this is impossible for your family, we will request your assistance in finding an appropriate home stay family. Parents should be aware of the need to have their son/daughter available for all meetings and speaking engagements upon their return, as well as helping in the organization’s major fundraising activities.
Selection Process: All applicants are required to attend an individual interview scheduled for both the applicant and a parent. You will be contacted to select a time for your interview.